Citronella oil is made from citronella grass. Sri Lanka citronella oil comes from Cymbopogon nardus. Java citronella oil comes from Cymbopogon winterianus.
Citronella grass is native to tropical areas. The essential oil is made through a process called steam distillation. During this process, steam is passed through the grass to pull out the oil.
People most commonly use citronella oil as a mosquito repellent on the skin. It's also used for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse citronella oil with lemongrass or stone root. These are not the same.
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